The Canadian Government has awarded a $1.15bn contract to Boeing for 15 new CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters.
Under the contract, Boeing will provide Chinooks to meet Canada’s medium-to-heavy lift helicopter programme requirements.
The Chinooks are powered by two 4,733hp Honeywell engines, feature extended-range capabilities and will be able to transport more than 21,000lb (9,525kg) of cargo.
Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay said the contract would ensure that the Canadian Forces are a first-class, modern and flexible force.
“This helicopter will give Canada’s military a robust capability with the ability to operate in remote and isolated areas, and increase their capacity to respond to disasters both at home and abroad,” Mackay said
Boeing will produce the helicopters at its Rotorcraft Systems facility in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, and will deliver them to Canada between 2013 and 2014.